Girls State
Girls State attendees take advantage of counselor wisdom, look to future
By Morgan Fischer Jodi Hoiten of Boston has been a counselor at Girls State for six years. She spent one year as a junior counselor and five years as a senior counselor. Hoiten came as a Girls State delegate not knowing what to expect, but when the time came to go home, she realized how […]
Forensic investigation class teaches skill of fingerprinting
By Brianna Schreurs Many enjoy watching crime shows like NCIS or Hawaii Five-0, and are fascinated by how science can be applied to the crime and be solved. Thursday, Girls State delegates who are a part of their county forensic teams got a taste of how to do just that. These select few attended a […]
Merxbauer, Monson confident in gubernatorial platforms
By Anna Koeppe Mary Lou Merxbauer is the aspirant chosen as the governor candidate representing the Nationalist party. In an interview, she passionately stated how excited she is about how her hard work has paid off, saying “To make it this far, it’s just been such an honor to know that I have girls backing […]
Q&A: Peggy Gibson, Mike Stevens
Morgan Fischer: To what do you attribute your political stance? Peggy Gibson: “Family is always first, my grandfather worked with George McGovern. What George McGovern did for people who were under-served or under-educated, those were the ideals. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” MF: When did you become interested in […]
Law School tour opens eyes of delegates, shows opportunity
By Brianna Schreurs For more than 100 years, the University of South Dakota Law School has created respected lawyers across South Dakota and the country. Wednesday night, Girls State delegates were given an opportunity to take a tour of USD’s historic law school and see what it has to offer. “This law school has a […]
Five- and 10-year awards presented: Counselors Luikens, Newman celebrate pins
Emily Luikens has been assisting with South Dakota Girls State for 10 years, and Tiffany Newman for five. Both will be accepting their awards for these accomplishments at this year’s session. Morgan Fischer: What draws you back to Girls State each year? Emily Luikens: “The Girls, the main thing I like to do is try […]
A look at the history of Girls State
By Mikaela Neubauer As Girls State approaches on 70 years of existence in South Dakota, let us take a moment to look back on the history of Girls State. World War II had just ended and patriotism was at its highest point. The American Legion Auxiliary of South Dakota decided that a program was needed […]
Campaigning Do’s and Don’ts: Tips from Tiffany Newman, senior counselor
1. “Rule number one: You will not touch ANYTHING. Okay, rule number two: You will not bother me while I’m working. Rule number three: You will not cry, or whine, or laugh, or giggle, or sneeze or barf or fart! So no, no, no annoying sounds. All right?” from Gru, Despicable Me. 2. Be informed […]
Delegates prep for future endeavors at career fair
By Kate Finley The Girls State delegates received another opportunity while attending the college and career fair on Wednesday June 3. The delegates explored their opportunities and options while attending the fair held in the Muenster University Center on the University of South Dakota campus. They met with colleges from across the state while thinking […]
Standing ovation follows talents in annual show
By Elyse Helkenn Among the Girls State traditions lies the talent show. Girls showed off their talents Wednesday night with everything, ranging from a hypnotist to a rapper. Throughout the week there have been three auditions, with two held Tuesday and one held Wednesday. Girls lined up to get into their auditions and waited in […]